March Madness 2022: Can anyone derail Gonzaga’s march to the title?

Nope. Yeah, we know the Zags have an amazing record, a glittering statistical profile and a number of players that will go very high in the draft, but where have we heard that before? Gonzaga have landed in arguably the hardest region in the tournament and might be in for a few fights to the death just to reach the Final Four. Tyrell Feaster

It may turn out that Gonzaga’s “year” was last year when they went undefeated until their shocking national championship game loss to Baylor. Still, I’m giving this a “qualified yes” because the top overall seed is justifiably the favorite to win the entire tournament. Their road to the Final Four should be a lot tougher this time around, however. Hunter Felt

I think so. The single-elimination format is unsparing and their road to New Orleans, which includes potential dates with Memphis (in the second round), Arkansas (in the Sweet 16) and either Duke or Texas Tech (in the Elite Eight), won’t be a cakewalk. But as the only team in the country to rank in the top 10 of both adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency, the Zags are favorites on merit. After falling short in the national title game twice in the past four years, the third time will prove the charm for Mark Few and co. Bryan Armen Graham

Gonzaga once again have the No 1 adjusted offense in the country according to kenpom.com with all five starters averaging double figures in scoring. Their free-flowing ball screen offense combined with the fact that you have to close-out playing for the shot and the drive on each player makes them a nightmare for opposing coaches to prepare for. Zags cut down the nets in Nola! Nicholas Levine

Purdue’s Jaden Ivey has a chance to lock down his place as the best guard in this year’s draft